Saudi Arabia, US announce 24-hour Sudan ceasefire from Saturday
Al JazeeraJun 04, 2023
The Facts
West Darfur state governor Khamis Abakar was reportedly abducted and killed on Wednesday, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) blaming its rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for the killing. Abakar had accused the RSF and its allies of violence against civilians.
Only hours before he was killed, Abakar described the RSF's actions in Darfur's regional capital of El Geneina as "genocide," alleging that "civilians are being killed randomly and in large numbers" and that the SAF did not leave its base to defend civilians.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Since the eruption of violence in Sudan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has worked hard to stamp out violence, bring about a peaceful solution, and provide safe passage for humanitarian aid. The US is doing its part in enabling diplomatic resolution and committing itself to supporting refugees until a ceasefire or permanent agreement is reached.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though the US and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire, it's undeniable that Washington has significant responsibility for the fighting in Sudan. The US failed to rein in the country's top generals when mounting tensions between forces led by Burhan and Dagalo indicated that a prolonged conflict was likely to erupt. Facilitating a truce is the least US leaders can do for the region, given this negligence.
Cynical narrative
Each warring side in Sudan is still battling for supremacy over the country, which indicates they're in no way serious about these ceasefires or peace talks. If the two continue to see each other as an existential threat, it will be impossible to find the middle ground necessary to stop the fighting and prevent the nation from being destroyed.
